Families have many, and often complex, challenges as they seek to
maintain or gain life stability. Stressors include job insecurity, home
instability, crime, and health. Stressors are compounded when
individuals and families experience mental health, behavioral health, or
substance abuse.

To show commitment to community well-being and
public health, the Town of Gilbert and the Honorable John Lewis, created
the Behavior Health and Substance Use Task Force. The Task Force,
comprised of Government, Educa­tion, Business, Medical and Faith
sectors, first identified community resources, needs and the gaps in
Mental Health services. The result they found is that the Faith
community partnering with School Districts, working together, provid­ed a
bridge that can close the gulf between families at risk and much needed
services of hope and healing.

There are three basic desired outcomes:1.Remove the stigmas2.Provide holistic support for the family through assessing, planning, and implementing3.Prevention

With
the convening and collaboration of local government and public safety,
hospitals, mental health and substance use professionals, schools and
faith based organizations, this Crisis Care Team Training is a promising
best practice, that can empower families in moving toward a better
tomorrow and a safe community where all can live, work and play.